A new state law makes substantial changes to the
sheriffs system in Connecticut and requires the Chief Court Administrator to take certain
actions. Specifically, Public Act No. 00-99, An Act Reforming the Sheriff System, creates
the title of State Marshal for the purpose of providing legal execution and service of
process. State Marshals will assume these functions currently performed by Deputy
Sheriffs, provided that a referendum abolishing the existing sheriff system is approved by
voters in the state election in November 2000. The Act also creates the title of Judicial
Marshal, which will assume the functions and duties of Special Deputy Sheriffs if the
referendum is approved.

Several parts of the Act were effective on April
28, 2000 and others, as referenced above, are effective on December 1, 2000, pending the
outcome of the referendum.

One of the sections that was effective on April
28, 2000 requires that Deputy Sheriffs who are eligible to be appointed as either a State
Marshal or a Judicial Marshal notify the Chief Court Administrator of their intention to
be appointed to either position on or before June 30, 2000. Persons who were serving as a
Deputy Sheriff (1) on May 31, 1995, who had served as a Deputy Sheriff for not less than
four years, and who submit an application on or before June 30, 2000, and (2) on April 28,
2000, the effective date of the Act, and who submit an application on or before June 30,
2000, are eligible to be appointed as State Marshals. Additionally, Deputy Sheriffs who
were performing court security, prisoner custody or transportation services on April 28,
2000 are eligible to be appointed as either State Marshals or Judicial Marshals, but not
both. All of these individuals must notify the Chief Court Administrator of their
intentions. Deputy Sheriffs who meet any of the criteria above who have not received a
notification form may obtain one by contacting the Judicial Branch Office at External
Affairs at (860) 566-8210.